Mounir Corm, Deputy CEO & Founding Partner at Vauban Infrastructure Partners, on GP’s role in infrastructure investments

Key Insights and Topics Discussed:

Background and Role at Vauban Infrastructure Partners: Mounir Corm shared his extensive experience in infrastructure investment, highlighting his journey from Greenfield investments to Brownfield projects over the past 15 years.

Infrastructure Investment Cycles: Discussion on the various economic cycles observed, including the global financial crisis and the era of low interest rates, and how these influenced infrastructure as an asset class.

Adapting to Higher Interest Rates: Insights on how investors are adapting to the current environment of higher interest rates, emphasizing the importance of maintaining risk premiums and the stability of cash flows in infrastructure investments.

Role of General Partners (GPs) in Infrastructure: The evolving expectations from both public and private sectors, with a focus on the need for expertise and long-term stakeholder-centric approaches in infrastructure projects.

Stakeholder Engagement and Social Inclusion: The importance of inclusive approaches in infrastructure projects, ensuring that investments benefit local communities and align with broader social and economic goals.

Investment Strategies and Sectors: Mounir highlighted the sectors Vauban is most bullish on, including energy transition, digital infrastructure, and mobility assets, and the importance of both Greenfield and Brownfield investments.

Challenges and Opportunities in Infrastructure: Discussion on the challenges of being a leader in infrastructure projects, the need for long-term perspectives, and the evolving landscape of infrastructure investment in Europe.

Future of Infrastructure Investment: Predictions on the increasing allocation to infrastructure by LPs, driven by the resilience of the asset class and the ongoing trends of digitalization and decarbonization.

Regulatory Environment in Europe: Insights into the regulatory environments in various European countries and the need for increased infrastructure investment in under-invested regions like Germany.

Consolidation in the Infrastructure Sector: Thoughts on the potential for consolidation in the infrastructure sector, driven by generational changes and the need for liquidity among founders.

Defining a Good Investment: Beyond financial returns, a good investment is defined by the satisfaction of all stakeholders, including users, regulators, and investors, ensuring high-quality service and long-term performance.

This engaging discussion with Mounir Corm provides valuable insights into the current and future landscape of infrastructure investment, highlighting the importance of expertise, stakeholder engagement, and strategic adaptation in a rapidly evolving market.

Key Timestamps:

00:08 Introduction
00:40 Mounir Corm’s Background and Experience
01:17 Evolution of Infrastructure Investment Cycles
03:18 Adapting to Higher Interest Rates
06:00 Changing Demands from Limited Partners
07:38 Public vs. Private Sector Expectations
09:33 The Importance of Stakeholder Engagement
11:20 Leadership in Infrastructure Projects
12:57 Investor Mindset and Skill Sets
16:51 Defining a Good Investment
18:02 Future of Infrastructure Investments
18:33 Investment Strategies and Community Focus
19:24 Regulatory Landscape for Infrastructure Investment in Europe
20:02 Impact of US Elections on European Markets
21:10 Advantages of Independent Asset Management
22:33 Public Perception of Investment Prestige